By Michelle Crean

It was a full house of cheer, cake and chat at the annual Irish Cancer Society Coffee Morning on Friday last as locals gathered to support a very worthy cause.

COMMUNITY UNITED: Community Gardaí Melanie Walsh Majella Lynch and Gillian McEoin were there to support the Irish Cancer Society Coffee Morning in the Killarney Towers Hotel on Friday. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

GATHERED TOGETHER: Enjoying the Irish Cancer Society Coffee Morning at the Killarney Towers Hotel on Friday from l-r were: Catherine O'Sullivan Antionette O'Mahony Mary Guerin Lavin and Áine Moynihan. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

EMOTIONAL: Supporting the Irish Cancer Society Coffee Morning at the Killarney Towers Hotel on Friday morning from l-r were: Garda Stephane Hegarty baby Olivia Twohig and Garda Diane Collins Twohig. Diane made a very personal moving speech about her own personal circumstance and the importance of the services the ICS offer. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

SUPPORT: TD Michael Healy-Rae pictured with Ann McCarthy Kathrina Breen (committee) and Maggie McAuliffe at the Irish Cancer Society Coffee Morning in Killarney Towers Hotel where local book ‘Behind the Mask Lockdown 2020’ was on sale a project that funds the Irish Cancer Society. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

COMMITTEE: The Irish Cancer Society Killarney branch committee from l-r were: Kathrina Breen Kathleen Cronin Eugene O'Sullivan and Breda Moriarty pictured at the Killarney Towers Hotel for their annual Coffee Morning where they launched Daffodil Day due to take place on Friday March 25 throughout Killarney. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

SCHOOL SUPPORT: Killarney Community College supporting the Irish Cancer Society Kerry branch at the Killarney Towers Hotel on Friday from l-r were: Deirdre Valerie Fleming Roisin Casey Amy O'Connell and Fiona Bailey. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

After two years of no events the Killarney branch of the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) were delighted to be back in action again and raised a whopping €3,070 - their best ever amount.

The popular event was once again held in the Killarney Towers Hotel where management and staff generously donated the teas, coffees and food.

"It was by far the best coffee morning we ever had," Chairperson if the Killarney branch of ICS, Eugene O'Sullivan, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"We had over 300 throughout the morning who made some generous donations. We'd like to thank Brian Lawlor from the hotel and his staff who were brilliant. They did a great morning's work. Also a huge thank you to Rima who made a flower arrangement with daffodils and blew up balloons and everyone who sponsored spot prizes. People are brilliant, they are absolutely fantastic."

The morning was launched by local photographer Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan who also spoke about her book 'Killarney Behind the Mask: Lockdown 2020' who is donating some of the proceeds to the ICS.

Garda Diane Collins Twohig was also there to support the event. Last year Diane lost her husband, local Garda Paudie Twohig (44), just four months after he was diagnosed with a stage 4 melanoma.

She made a very personal moving speech about her own personal circumstances and the importance of the services the ICS offer.

And Daffodil Day, which takes place on Friday next, March 25, was also launched.

The committee are looking for volunteers to help with collections for a few hours on the day throughout various locations in Killarney town.

Anyone who'd like to offer their time can ring Eleanor O'Doherty on 086 2388573.